The "net metering" info was tremendous, never heard of it, could be a huge $$$ saver for someone who is unaware. Huge thanks! #subbed
@ajarivas723 жыл бұрын
After considering the cost of the equipment and the time for the return of the investment, it does not seem a great deal. You save energy but you don’t save money.
@atozfunz3 жыл бұрын
@@ajarivas72 for long-term it does save your money
@bendy18083 жыл бұрын
I had two grid ties and was told to remove them by the power company because it put the utility worker at risk is grid ties really worth it
@EclecticLensYT2 жыл бұрын
@@bendy1808 it's different everywhere so you should check with the electric company and wherever you get permits at where you live but most places seem to have some kind of policy in place to allow you to get a second meter from the electric company. This meter counts how much power you generate so it doesn't run backwards. When they read your regular meter they read the other meter as well and subtract what you generated from your usage. This system can also be used on demand to slow down your usage from the electric company. If you actually have everything off in your home then yes you will generate power that you will probably either get credit for or possibly a check for if you make more than you use. I don't think most places use a single meter anymore. I could be wrong though. You do have to take into account the fee for the second meter. Usually this is a maintenance or utility fee. In my case it's $25 per month per meter. So no matter how much electricity I generate I need to subtract roughly $50 in order to actually break even.
@LarryRichelli Жыл бұрын
@@bendy1808 I sure wish this would be addressed.....very confused about this as I have always been under the impression that grid tied meant that one was selling power back to the electric company
@triggerwarning243913 күн бұрын
The electric company came out and said they were seeing unusual back feeding before I went to net metering. He told me my meter is charging me for the power I was producing since it wasn't a net meter. I have sense added a large solar array with mini grid ties, super simple and the electrical inspector was very impressed and asked if he could bring trainees out because not many people out there are doing self installs. I have a manufactured home so I wasn't able to install on my roof so I built a structure using the panels as the roof. I screwed the panels together with some foam rubber in between so no leaks. It doubles as a wood shed and a place to park my tractor and lawn equipment.
@t.blakeevanson5354 жыл бұрын
Video gold! Thank you for exactly what I just spent an hour searching for!
@brianreynolds46273 жыл бұрын
Me too...though now April 30th 2021!
@whatnowok3 жыл бұрын
Thank you really take the time to explain in detail every part of the system to fully comprehend it unlike other posts
@wishingwood48325 жыл бұрын
Thanks James, great video! I've always wanted to go solar, but I didn't want to spend $30,000 and I was afraid. I really don't like giving the overpaid power company (monopoly) my money. You clearly explain all the necessary steps to install a high power system at an affordable price, so even an average person could easily do it.
@WiSeNhEiMeR-13692 жыл бұрын
HOWdy J-W, Thanks for the Walk-Thru ... I love the "just don't PRODUCE too MUCH ... POWER COOP ...
@Tortuga89R3 жыл бұрын
Only Net Meters will count backwards for those that might not know. Most modern digital meters that are not Net/DG meters will NOT run backwards on the kWh measurement. You'll never realize any credit or $ benefit on the meter side with the Net/DG meter installed. This system you installed will supplement your power consumption though. Nice job on the video!
@mattrowe12292 жыл бұрын
so most all digital meters, that are not made for net metering wont show running back wards, but have to be care ful that we dont have no power going out or the meter will think ther eis a device there and power it as consumption
@Tortuga89R2 жыл бұрын
@@mattrowe1229 If you have a standard meter (that only shows forward/consumed kWh), having solar has some benefit, as it will either slow or hault your kWh reading on the meter provided that your solar is keeping up with your current usage or at least a lot of it at peak times. But to get a true benefit, you need to get with the electric utility to get a meter that shows energy going both directions.
@mattrowe12292 жыл бұрын
@@Tortuga89R yes, i cant get uyility ok because its an older mobile home, ect, but all i want to do is compensate the peal load a little and conter the kwh down some to lower my bill, i am fighting cancer and on ss check because of chemo cant wor, hard to pay all bills,if i could just save 20 dollars a onth would help with gas to get me to my doctors appat ans such,thanks for the response, and my utility co wants all new, ul listed, blah blah blah, and im going all used, i might just try it and watch meter with just 2 panels so i cant go over my usage
@StrongFarms3 жыл бұрын
Can you make an update on these? How are they holding up?
@raiden722 жыл бұрын
A similar one of mine died and it's really hard to tell what is wrong with it I believe one of the MOSFETs is not working. It's a shame it only worked about 1 year maximum.... Not a very good ROI
@DavidJohnson-md6ke4 жыл бұрын
Each inverter must be on its own individual circuit breaker for sure!
@redmatrix Жыл бұрын
And if possible, split the load between both phases/legs of power coming into your home. 2 single pole breakers next to each other would be on different phases.
@whatta7793 Жыл бұрын
So one of these inverters, each dedicated to their own 15 amp breaker, would be the way to go? And you must have a net meter so you don't get charged for what YOU generate, right?
@danpham88062 жыл бұрын
You are doing almost everything right, well DIY design too. AAA + demonstration.
@2675gordo4 жыл бұрын
This is what i ve been looking for. Very well explained even for a dummy like me. Liked and subed!
@2675gordo3 жыл бұрын
@Chloe Burt yes sir! 75 to be persice. 1975!
@gasser50014 жыл бұрын
You could be Sully from Godsmacks Dad. Lol. Fantastic video.
@donaldjones89202 жыл бұрын
Very nice explanation. Just starting my research on solar. Thank you.
@TSanta-hx8iq4 жыл бұрын
I have the same inverters, they are awesome. No issues, they stay cool. I recommend them for anyone looking to try lower their bill. You cant use them in an off grid setting but for what it is and the price you cant go wrong. Literally plug and play. Great video BTW.
@ShyRage14 жыл бұрын
On your plug and playset, are you using a dedicated 110 line?
@TheRainHarvester3 жыл бұрын
I read another comment saying you can overload the wires, cause a fire because it isn't going thru a circuit breaker.
@raiden722 жыл бұрын
@@TheRainHarvester technically there is a circuit breaker in place (at the breaker box) but since you are reversing the flow of electricity, The circuit breaker cannot accurately tell whether the line is overloaded. This is why you must carefully measure the amps passing through the line that you would be grid tying
@TheRainHarvester2 жыл бұрын
@@raiden72 ac has no direction. But i can't remember what this video was about.
@raiden722 жыл бұрын
@@TheRainHarvestercorrect and sorry, I guess I should have said, "feeding electricity back into the grid" instead of "reversing the flow", but nonetheless, total amperage flowing through the wire must not exceed the rated amperage of the wire, and while back feeding there is potential to exceed the amps without tripping the breaker (which could cause fire)
@jonathanmenendez15165 жыл бұрын
Very nice setup my friend. I wish you can make a video for your relays to turn on on ac start
@randybauer75742 жыл бұрын
Wow, very impressive demonstration well done. Thanks
@FATEH27083 жыл бұрын
Very informative.. easy to understand for non english speaker like me.. thanks !
@organicngreen91562 жыл бұрын
Many Thanks !! Great Video !!Clear Demo !! Best Wishes !!
@cutweldngrind4 жыл бұрын
Just ordered 1 of these inverters.
@ajarivas723 жыл бұрын
How did it go?
@razzix2 Жыл бұрын
I would really love to see the relay wiring in more detail. I would love to have a grid tie that only turns on when my air conditioning does.
@ronpucillotheactor5134 күн бұрын
Yes, I would love to know more about the relays too!!
@wilgensvalmy93325 жыл бұрын
Well done ! Thanks for your well detail explanation.
@DerekP20505 жыл бұрын
Awesome video, thank you Sir!
@CryptoBlockchainTechnologies2 жыл бұрын
I didn’t know that if you don’t set it up correctly that you will still be charged as if you where using the electric company’s electricity even though the extra power is coming from the solar panels, thanks for the info!
@TMackTips5 ай бұрын
Great video! couple of questions - I cant find panels that are rated 32V/300W as you mention in your video. maybe things have changed since you made it? I see most are rated 11v to 20V which should still work with the grid inverter. Also - why didn't you use the solar controller and battery bank to run the inverters? thanks again for taking the time to make the video - very helpful!
@keel3r4333 жыл бұрын
Lots of good info here, very useful for me as I'm looking to do something similar thank you
@brightfame79848 ай бұрын
Awesome video!
@kitamuram43892 жыл бұрын
Thanks with recommended that is better cooling by fixing inverters in vertical so getting natural air flow that heated air moves upward, right ?
@shanesmith87734 жыл бұрын
Can you make a video showing how to install the relay circuit please?
@gtrelectronics97292 жыл бұрын
So that inverter can be use more than 1 in a house ?
@drthik12 жыл бұрын
I wonder if there's a way to power up the inverters in event the grid goes down, I know you mentioned they shut off output if you lose service
@DrFiero2 жыл бұрын
No. Absolutely not. That would then backfeed into the grid and could kill a lineman.
@drthik12 жыл бұрын
@@DrFiero I figured a person could hook a small generator to them for a power reference so they would start back up. What's backfeed ?
@DrFiero2 жыл бұрын
@@drthik1 - Backfeed is when your power "device" (gen, inverter, whatever) starts to shove power back down the line into the main grid. Then some linesman who thinks he's on a dead circuit ends up going -poof- and you get to explain to his spouse why you needed to play Xbox so bad that it killed him. Ok, that's an extreme, but you get the idea. IF you are savvy enough to have a mains disconnect (transfer switch), then you could fire up a generator and the inverters would then do their normal thing, including following the typical unstable frequency of the gen. They don't care where the power's coming from.
@merlpriester6 ай бұрын
Are those inverters ul1741 certified. And anti-islanding
@yogeshshrivastava19434 жыл бұрын
Well done. Love your video.
@DayDreamerami5 жыл бұрын
Can we get a link to your inverter on Amazon please
@oSTYNCLSYo2 жыл бұрын
Are those grid inverters still in operation? Would you recommend?
@mattrowe122910 ай бұрын
what are the auto relays called and where did you buy
@MrACDude2 жыл бұрын
Interesting, I tried something like this a few years ago and I didn't consume all of the power I was using (like less than 100 watts) and a few days later Joe from the power company showed up at my door with his wire cutters in hand! Check to see if your power meter detects a back feed and what the power company's policy on backfeeding power is.
@Zomby_Woof Жыл бұрын
If its set up correctly, the utility company is required to credit you for any excess power you produce.
@ElationProductions Жыл бұрын
@@Zomby_Woof That's true, but keep in mind they set the game up to their advantage all the time. If you go through all the "correct" procedures to monitor back flow of electricity, depending on what time of the day it is, you're going to sell your excess at a lower rate then they charge you for their power. They may tack on additional fees to your monthly bill as well for different equipment required to monitor back flow too. In my opinion, you're better off just to make sure the system is only providing power to you.
@Zomby_Woof Жыл бұрын
@@ElationProductions Depends on what your net excess is For someone with large surpluses, particularly if they are seasonal, it's a good way to get power you'd otherwise be billed for at times when you can't provide it.
@jonnyk2717 Жыл бұрын
how are they holding up 3 years later?
@jaycharles95484 жыл бұрын
I’ve heard someone talk about a “limiter” or else the power company could charge you for going backwards. Can I look at my meter devise to see what kind of system I might need ? Mainly just want to use a grid tie in to help lower my cost
@ThomasBomb453 жыл бұрын
Research your utility company's policy first. Many will support net metering for small systems. Though for net metering they may not approve of DIY systems
@jaycharles95483 жыл бұрын
@@ThomasBomb45 I want to leave the power company OUT of this completely . I'm looking for a company that can / will assist in layout & needs
@ThomasBomb453 жыл бұрын
@@jaycharles9548 Are you planning to disconnect from the grid then? Or just try to fly under the radar? If your solar is connected to the grid, leaving the utility company out of the conversation opens you up to potential problems
@kayzrx83 жыл бұрын
@@ThomasBomb45 this is not true. You can install an inverter that has a current sensor on each split phase of the panel. The system will only allow electricity from the solar to match what is being used in the panel. This will not allow power to back feed to the grid and doesn't require a net meter . The utility will just see less usage during solar production where it is offsetting the load in the home. The downside to this is of there is very little load in the home and alot of available solar energy , the system will be throttled down . This scenario would be best with a battery bank to take that energy during these situations.
@ThomasBomb453 жыл бұрын
@@kayzrx8 Is it legal to do something like this without talking to the grid operator first? DIY?
@bersanII Жыл бұрын
Excellent video, James. Very useful! I have a question, how do you know you are getting 32 vdc out of the solar panels, and how do you pick the right inverter? My concern is not selecting compatible items and mess around the circuit. Thanks a lot for sharing your knowledge and time!
@brightfame79848 ай бұрын
I have four 300 watts solar panels with enphase IQ7+ Microinverters. How can I prevent backfeed on the grid?
@1pcmedic3 жыл бұрын
Nice video! Exactly why they went to digital non Net Meters, making it harder to eat into the electric companys profits............
@triggerwarning243913 күн бұрын
Why not add batteries to store for night use?
@cutweldngrind4 жыл бұрын
I keep coming back here. I want to do 3 inverters like you but now thinking if to get those blue $350 inverters from ebay.
@gilbertferro20134 жыл бұрын
I did 7 of these but 22-50-220V if one dies the other keep working until it is replaced. I do not trust those Blue ones yet. Here is a good ref. www.imeshbean.com/category/Home-Garden/Grid-Tie-Inverter/Power-Inverter/
@cutweldngrind4 жыл бұрын
@@gilbertferro2013 Awesome. Checking out the link. I have 3kw of panels just covered by a tarp in back yard. I need to do a setup soon.
@MmeHyraelle3 жыл бұрын
Search for the growatt sp3000. 3000w for under 1000$. Also is split phase so you feed the whole panel
@fergman3002 жыл бұрын
IF there is no power from the panels...like at night, does this setup draw power.
@carlmcgee36025 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the video, thumbs up.
@mattrowe1229 Жыл бұрын
where did you get the auto relay disable relays fom, and what is the box calledheir plugged into,i cant find on amazon, th ones on the right side of the video
@craigfosters4 жыл бұрын
I've got 2 questions. First being the safety aspect. The grid tie inverter turns off if the mains ac power is off right? But if the mains AC is off, a normal individual inverter should detect this but because you have multiple would each inverter act against each other and detect ac so therefore continue to give power? Second question. Are these still working? I hear that particular inverter only lasts about a year and I'm guessing it will take a few years for you to brake even. Nice video though. I'm just researching my options. This helps.
@budmartin33444 жыл бұрын
I hope he will read this and try it out to verify that the system goes into completed shutdown when main power to the house is cutoff.
@TheRainHarvester3 жыл бұрын
He doesn't seem to answer questions. Anyone else know?
@TheRainHarvester3 жыл бұрын
@@TheColorField oh thanks. I'll assume they solved they problem of multiple inverters triggering each other so as to stay on. What I really want to know is how long these inverters have lasted for others.
@pdavis22073 жыл бұрын
I have had two of these. One went out on me after just 11 months. The replacement has been going strong for three years now. I'm running 800 watts maximum, but I have never seen it get much past 700 watts during optimum conditions, usually it is much less.
@TexWebslinger3 жыл бұрын
I instantly had the same questions, sir. This setup seem a modular approach but these answers must be found...Thanks for the video!
@ralexgolden3 жыл бұрын
What do you do when the grid is down?
@ElationProductions Жыл бұрын
That's one of the shortcomings I can see with this system. What he could do is shut off the main breaker to his house, get some sort of additional generator to provide power and the solar would supplement it (in the day time at least). Not useful as a stand alone backup, but could assist a gas generator during a daytime outage.
@kerron_2 жыл бұрын
if you had a tiny 100w inverter and a battery you could activate these grid tie inverters with a reference ac phase/signal during the day when the grid is down
@user-bj4lp3fr1o2 жыл бұрын
You would need turn off the main breaker while doing this.
@แมวเหมียว-ฃ1ฝ4 жыл бұрын
If AC turn on at the night time(no sun - no power to the inverter), will the grid tie inverter broken? Its manual said do not connect AC line in before solar panel or it may broken.
@ivanbuckingham23023 жыл бұрын
That's what happened to mine, I left it switched on at night and it broke
@WIZ565752 жыл бұрын
I have 4 of these same types of types of tigrids and verters but nowhere can I find on how much amps can run through these machines we know how much voltage can run but how much amps can you put through these machines I want to know if I can take a 48 voteight 8 vote battery called Reynold rhino from big batteries Which has 276 AH Is that too much amp hours or is this OK I can't find in the destructions or any KZbin videos to tell the capability on how much amperage can run through these machines
@MoTo-rv3ze3 жыл бұрын
If the grid is down and you are not using a lot of energy from the solar set up where does the extra power go , is there a build up that overheats?
@Joeteck4 жыл бұрын
Nice job!
@wilhallman28904 жыл бұрын
One question though... plugging a cord into an outlet to backfeed seems like a huge no-no to me, isn't there a way to wire it with Romex and some type of breaker?
@MmeHyraelle3 жыл бұрын
Thats what grid tied inverters do tough. Same for a generator. As long it shut off when the grid is off or have a relay to shut off the main, its ok.
@shanl95833 жыл бұрын
@@MmeHyraelle thanks for explaining
@unknownquantity44403 жыл бұрын
THIS. Just because it works doesn't mean that backfeeding through outlets is cool. Im' certain that's not up to code (NEC). But, it does pose an interesting scenario for *off grid* use. If these inverters sync to the phase of the grid current sine wave, then theoretically it should work that these individual inverters would all sync together on the same single phase circuit -- each inverter providing up to 1000 watts of power -- such that you could easily scale up the power delivery capacity by 1000 watts for each one of these inverters you plug into the circuit (say an off grid cabin, tiny house, etc). If so, then the question is if any single one of these inverters will output power on it's own (no grid power), or would it require an existing source to sync to (like a master inverter outputting a sine wave to sync to)? Anyone know?
@yeslawrence5 жыл бұрын
great video, lots of good knowledge. cool relay setup!
@francoiswx2 жыл бұрын
Are these inverters still running without problem after 2 years ?
@bw35062 жыл бұрын
I have seen these in a 240v model. Do you think they are for US use across our single phase 240?
@glennsepelak51132 жыл бұрын
nice job
@pb7379-j2k2 жыл бұрын
I’d like to see a video of the home inspection when he tries to sell it 😅
@SolarizeYourLife8 күн бұрын
Why would he leave it for the buyer?!?
@Live_it_Love_it-502 жыл бұрын
Can I use this setup for a 2000w wind turbine great video by the way I’m in the Uk
@mattrowe12292 жыл бұрын
where did you get the auto disable switches, cant find themon amazon
@arishem5553 жыл бұрын
how it this system doing? still alive? any issues?
@camilomunoz9244 жыл бұрын
Would you recommend 3 x 250w panels for this inverter?
@MmeHyraelle3 жыл бұрын
If the voltages fits, yes. 750w panels seems to be good.
@DH-fc2os3 жыл бұрын
I have a question we installed solar but it is tied to the grid, in our area we get alot of outages , I'm wondering during an outage when there is daylight can I turn off the main grid breaker to stop feeding the grid and run the house on solar like we normally do, the only time we actually pul from the grid is at night the rest of the day we our feeding . I don't have a budget to install a back up generator and just wondering if there is a way to stop feeding the grid during an outage without a generator or batteries
@TexWebslinger3 жыл бұрын
There should be a disconnect from whatever self generator source(solar, wind, generator) to the grid. You could and do have have a switch(breakers) that will turn off the house power main from the utility provider and turn on your backup power source so that you may run off your(solar, wind, generator) to your home without back feeding to the grid. I fail to remember the name, but they have an integrated toggle so that it is an either or situation. Ask your local supply house people and they can set you up, I 'm sure.. Take photo of your main breaker box to take with you. They will need to know things like the brand of box and if you have room to mount them.
@rupe535 жыл бұрын
Some interesting ideas but a little too "home brew" without enough code compliance. I believe most areas will NOT allow use of flexible metallic conduit outside. Better to use solid metallic conduit (allowed by code) or non-metallic conduit. All codes that I am aware of require a tag at the meter stating there's a grid-tie or other power supplement. (stand-by gen sets, inverter / battery, etc) Most of this falls under NFPA standards, not typical building codes. They also require a DC disconnect in line between the panels and inverter. (and close by so it's obvious) Many local codes will require these safety items be located close to the power company meter as well. Yes, I know an outlet can qualify as a disconnect point but if it's inside a cabinet you may need to have another on the outside with a tag stating so. Might also help to use a UL approved outdoor R-rated (rain proof) cabinet to protect your goodies. Yeah, all this just raised the cost of your project by at least $500, but it's all about safety and protecting your investment.... and the possibility that your home owner's insurance may not be valid if it's not up to code. BTW, there's code compliance for the info on the tag at the meter. Must state type of equipment, location of equipment, and locations of disconnects. In some areas this tag can be printed and others want it engraved on a placard. (printing fades with time) Must also be glued to the cabinet / meter because extra screw holes violate the UL approval of any listed device. (I once saw a seasoned electrician put a zip screw through a meter cabinet and into a 200 amp SER wire!)
@pulesjet5 жыл бұрын
Wow . That's no fun. Some times is easier to ask for forgiveness then permissions. What they don't know won't bother them so much. What if no power is exported ? How would they ever know ?
@rupe535 жыл бұрын
@@pulesjet … Would you believe insurance companies do periodic random inspections via drive-by and so does your local building inspector? They may not be a scheduled inspection but they notice things when at a neighbor's home or on the way to another job. Could also be when they do evaluations for taxes or census. I got pinched for an extra tax assessment when they noticed I closed in a porch. It didn't require a permit but that did raise my taxes. Many years ago I also took out a permit for a new electrical service and boiler that passed inspection but living in a 100 year old home the inspector noticed when he was in for a water main inspection. (not the same guy) He mentioned it was nice that I had pulled permits over the years. Then there are times when people sell their home (eventually) and someone digs up changes without permits or notices something is not up to code. Banks that loan money on a home will also want an inspection in most cases.
@pulesjet5 жыл бұрын
@@rupe53 LOL, I don't have that problem. I don't have it. My system is not big enough to pull attention. 1Kw Ground Mounted. In a Mobile Home.
@rupe535 жыл бұрын
pulsejet... There's no problem till there's a problem, right? You likely wont have an issue unless the owner of the trailer park decides to sell the property and somebody's bank does an inspection to see if everything complies with code. Yes, trailer parks have code in most areas. If nothing else, banks have their own rules when it comes to lending money.... just saying.
@thonatim53215 жыл бұрын
Another point. I had a remote shed using off grid system. It got hit by lightning and caught fire. I lost the building and many electronics including my entire solar system. The insurance company refused to pay for the damage even though the fire started from lightning during a thunderstorm. The Fire Inspector hired by the insurance company could not "PROVE" where the fire started even though the Fire Department certified the fire started during a thunderstorm. The Inspector could not rule out a spark from the unapproved system. My policy states all building/plumbing/HVAC work is to be approved by the local building department. I tried to take them to court but my Attorney told me that I would lose. Now, I get a permit for EVERYTHING: changing a receptacle, light switch...EVERYTHING. Sometimes the Building Department tells me no permit is needed. I lost about $25,000 because I did not get a $100 permit. It was not worth it. So please read your policy if you are not going to get a permit. In my state, all the policies are written this way.
@BlackSmith2224 жыл бұрын
some people suggesting battery installation. Trust me it is an expensive option. Because you will have to replace batteries when these die. Better go with net metering option.
@ShyRage14 жыл бұрын
I thought even if you decided to go with net metering, you still have to pay the electric provider fees
@aedgvv60953 жыл бұрын
Hi James, check those ends on the mc4 connectors internally they eat up after year or so if those are the ones from amazon that are very common.... do a load test on the cables u will be surprised
@TheRomanoguitar Жыл бұрын
What happens if you used more than one on the same breaker
@SolarizeYourLife8 күн бұрын
Depends how big your breaker is...
@alzeal4 жыл бұрын
Awesome setup, just a FYI I installed grid tie inverters with Limiters so its automatic. But nice setup nonetheless
@jamesarevalo16264 жыл бұрын
Is it a separate device?
@alzeal4 жыл бұрын
@@jamesarevalo1626 www.ebay.com/itm/New-1000W-Solar-Wind-Turbine-on-Grid-Tie-Inverter-with-Power-Limiter-PV-system/362126614006?hash=item54506d9df6:m:mbS-UD_xJqjFFiFW2huyfGA These are readily available on ebay and amazon however not UL certified. I'm not net-metered so not really important for me to be in code.
@complete-mayhem-x643 жыл бұрын
This guy is great
@cutweldngrind4 жыл бұрын
I thought these were not UL rated or allowed by the power companies. I bought my equipment about 15 years ago and sold them when I moved. I had Sun 600 inverters or 500s cant recall. I still have a 1kw array not being used that I bought recently for a water well.
@ShyRage14 жыл бұрын
From what I'm understanding, these setups are called guerilla setups. You can feed into the grid but the key is to not let the smart meter stop or go backward. If it does, you then could get caught by your power company
@cutweldngrind4 жыл бұрын
@@ShyRage1 I actually bought a 2.5kw solar array after watching a few videos which is on my channel. I made a new 5 yr contract for my power company at 8 cents per kwh from the highest of 13 cents I was paying. The ROI just got extended lol...I am working on a setup to grid tie and have battery backup.
@ShyRage14 жыл бұрын
@@cutweldngrind before all this, were you feeding back into the grid under the radar?
@cutweldngrind4 жыл бұрын
@@ShyRage1 I bought all the gear around 2008 and a week later my meter was upgraded to a digital one. I held on to equipment a while and just sold it all. I had mostly 150w solar panels and were to be running on the lower voltage Sun 500 or 600 Inverters. I also had a batch of 50 watt panels for a grand total of 3kw and now I bought a 2.5kw array. I'm thinking on using these for my off grid home but may experiment here.
@cutweldngrind4 жыл бұрын
@@ShyRage1 Forgot to mention how we ended up buying lots of equipment. We ran several test on a 100w panel and a sun 250 inverter grid tie inverter. We documented on excel all the values before getting the big systems.
@unwired2 жыл бұрын
Hi James, What relay is that? where we can purchase?
@chickenhawkfarmstead84783 жыл бұрын
How are the inverter holding up over time.
@stevenlabarbera68783 жыл бұрын
Great video James. Have you ever see this done using Wind (PMA or PMG) as the power source to the Grid Tie Inverters? My thoughts are you would need to run thru a Charge Controller to Battery Bank to the Grid Tie Inverters. Thoughts on this? Thanks.
@Rob-Heaston4 жыл бұрын
So if the power goes out in the neighborhood you lose power too? How hard is it to take it off the grid later down the road?
@jeffreykann2134 жыл бұрын
Just take off the Grid Tie inverter and switch it with a off grid one
@jackh99343 жыл бұрын
great video .so if the electric goes off an it shuts the invertor off then you have no power. i want power when the electric goes off .
@Christ-is-King-3 жыл бұрын
You need batteries
@benkanobe7500 Жыл бұрын
Where are the links to the parts?
@Marktwain02412 жыл бұрын
how does this method disconnect from grid power if the grid goes down to prevent backfeeing ?
@user-bj4lp3fr1o2 жыл бұрын
The inverter turn off automatically if the grid goes down.
@ardmallor3 жыл бұрын
Which solar panels do you have?
@ocrun67654 жыл бұрын
Are you able to estimate how long it takes to pay off in electrical savings?
@JTGolf9893 жыл бұрын
I priced out doing this with an 800w set-up and only 1 inverter. It would take between 3-7 years depending on where you live. In michigan I was looking at about 5.5-6 years.
@tezz777able2 жыл бұрын
good video :)
@bendy18083 жыл бұрын
I had two grid ties and was told to remove them by the power company because it put the utility worker at risk is grid ties really worth it
@1akmason2 жыл бұрын
I hate to tell you this but whoever told you that from the utility company either didn't know what they were saying or they lied to you because all grid tided inverters have a safety feature, if the grid goes down they automatically shut off so they don't put a utility worker at risk.
@awesomedee54212 жыл бұрын
The parts list did not include the relays for the A/C.
@thefloridaredneck Жыл бұрын
Isnt connecting straight to an outlet a fire hazard?
@SolarizeYourLife8 күн бұрын
Why??? Power is power no matter which way it flows....
@thefloridaredneck8 күн бұрын
@SolarizeYourLife Because if the inverter is a 3,000 watt inverter for instance and the wiring in that circuit is only rated for 1500 that could be dangerous.
@nateperia4 жыл бұрын
Hi Sir, Just want to double check, at 2:15 it seems that you connected the positive terminals of the panels to the black wire and the negative side to the red wire? Or did you change the connection of the wires from the pv?
@reddevilxt7164 жыл бұрын
Yeah he wired them in series although he said parallel. You take the positive and hook it to negative of other panel. Then run the positive and negative of each panel to the grid tie. It’s a series circuit and not parallel.
@TheRainHarvester3 жыл бұрын
@@reddevilxt716 oh I Wondered about parallel: if one shadow on a single panel, it seems like the other panel would dump it's load on the shaded panel and burn it up! Edit: it looks to me like he wired in parallel after all.
@Robertgbarnes4 жыл бұрын
Hey, man. I loved the video. Thanks for the help with getting me started. I set up an even smaller system than you with only one of those inverters. The inverter stopped working after about 1 month. I was wondering if I just got unlucky or if that brand is actually unreliable. Based on some of the reviews I read, it’s probably the latter. I wanted to check in and see if yours are still working well.
@ShyRage14 жыл бұрын
Was your setup like the one in the video? Do you need proper permits where you live in order to feedback legally?
@Robertgbarnes4 жыл бұрын
@@ShyRage1, I had to email my electricity company to get approval for “net metering”. They asked for diagrams and I had to fill out some forms regarding how much power I planned on producing. They sent someone out to look at the system after I had it hooked up and the guy who came out was blown away. Lol. I did all of the work and paperwork myself, and I’m not an electrician.
@ShyRage14 жыл бұрын
@@Robertgbarnes so you literally had the power inverter plugged in and they were cool with it?
@Robertgbarnes4 жыл бұрын
@@ShyRage1 totally! Plugged into an outlet.
@ShyRage14 жыл бұрын
@@Robertgbarnes holy smokes! What state are you in? What power distribution do you have there
@danielsarwinski68838 ай бұрын
Why didn’t you connect 3 panels in parallel to one inverter? Still less than 1000W
@ywan14 жыл бұрын
Do I need any additional fuse or breaker to protect this 1000W inverter? I saw the inverter came with 3 fuses.
@ShyRage14 жыл бұрын
I didn't see that he had any so probably not
@earthenergyhex4 жыл бұрын
where is the parts list? I found it LOL is your system still running?
@dillkilltv39424 жыл бұрын
Best video ever!! Definitely doing this
@mohamedsheikh25024 жыл бұрын
Is this legal , did power co. let you connect to grid without going through the insp. by the city and any paper work and approval . I am taking classes on solar in a local community college and to tie to grid , one has to go through so many steps , city,state and power co..with a lot of paper work including set of plans of solar panels
@kris47864 жыл бұрын
Since it is run to the outside of building you can. If you have extra breaker slots you can run a new line(s) to outlet(s). Big thing is to have a breaker between the inverters and the electrical panel so the power from the solar can be cut off. Prevents technician from getting electrocuted not realizing there is power coming in from the panels.
@billtaylor2924 жыл бұрын
@@kris4786 There are only a couple of holes in that theory. Number one. If you don't get the permits, and notify the electric company that you are putting power on to their grid. The technician does not know the switch is there. So how is he going to shut it off? Number two. If you were using UL-listed inverters, and got a building permit, the system would turn itself off automatically if they were working on the power lines in the neighborhood. Sorry. Epic fail.
@ShyRage14 жыл бұрын
@@kris4786 if it's a dedicated line to its own breaker, it won't feed back to the grid
@jakeflo42155 жыл бұрын
Nice complete video, did the pge contacted you about this? I heard this is illegal in CA
@MrSummitville5 жыл бұрын
@Yo Dude - PG&E has not contacted him, yet ...
@josephdupont3 жыл бұрын
why not heat hot water or preheat water when your output is beyond a certain point.. thank you.
@Reyenergybroker4 жыл бұрын
Let's see, I don't have any agreement with the Grid Company, but my Meter is running in a backward mode, so it should be put a whole needles on counterclockwise! With this, the grid will charge me anyway? Thanks
@MmeHyraelle3 жыл бұрын
If the numbers rolls back, it may be working. Your electric bill may not reflect it yet but just send them the numbers if it does not. ( since you seems to be on an old meter )
@jessechappa15504 жыл бұрын
Can you plug in a grid Tie Inverter and run power out of the same outlet ?
@ShyRage14 жыл бұрын
No
@ajarivas723 жыл бұрын
No
@SolarizeYourLife8 күн бұрын
Sure, power will cancel out... Incoming cancel outgoing...
@camilomunoz9244 жыл бұрын
in advance thanks for the video, consult, why three inverters and not one of greater power? I'm new to this topic excuse the ignorance
@scottsmith68674 жыл бұрын
A standard 15 amp circuit/breaker will generally only power a max 1-1.5 kw appliance before tripping due to safety/power draw (toaster oven, hair drier, etc.). You want to avoid overloads with significant margin of error on each separate circuit for safety. Larger inverters are UL certified, cost alot more, and require the full permitting process with net metering. The small ones should generally only be used to offset some daily consumption with no power left over within your house.
@camilomunoz9244 жыл бұрын
@@scottsmith6867 thank you very much
@jpmautomation58864 жыл бұрын
As James mentioned, he did not have net meter, so in order to control the power to grid, he disconnect some of the inverters based on the house power load. If one inverter is used, how would you reduce the generated power?
@offgridbydesign38264 жыл бұрын
Clean setup but you didn't mention an I didn't see two things a pv cut off for panels and lightning suppressor
@brian13954 жыл бұрын
first those wires should be double crimped and heat shrinked. second those inverters need zero export. third those inverter run better if run at 80+ percent. the higher the use the higher the efficiency. also three panels per inverter would be better for you and you really want to have more panel power than the inverter can handle. so three 400w panels for one 1000w inverter is the norm. any extra watts gen just gets clipped but you will come to full power more early and gem more consistent power thru out the day.
@shanl95833 жыл бұрын
Thanks man, so much knowledge !!!
@ElationProductions Жыл бұрын
Yeah, that's what I was initially thinking too. 450 watts into an inverter capable of 1000 seems like way more of a safety margin then is needed.
@gilbertferro20134 жыл бұрын
Hello, any problems with the fans on the inverters? I have seen some videos that say these fans burn out in about 1 year and need to be replaced. Thanks